Harm Reduction Educator

12 month term (with the possibility to renew)

BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional Indigenous organization that represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 85,500 citizens in southern Manitoba. SCO was established 22 years ago by the Chiefs as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW:

A valuable member of the SCO team, the Harm Reduction Educator provides specialized assistance in the Harm Reduction and Land-Based Healing program implementation, development, and growth. The program delivers culturally appropriate education, supports, and services to our relatives, in addition to building awareness of First Nations based harm reduction including sexual health and connecting SCO citizens to testing and treatment options for HIV/STBBIs. The program provides direct service to SCO member Nations, and citizens both on and off reserve. The Harm Reduction Educator provides SCO member Nations and partner agencies with opportunities to implement community led healing and connections, focused on the prevention, treatment, and recovery of problematic substance use, in addition to reducing the burden of infectious disease (HIV/STBBI).

Reporting to the Senior Harm Reduction Program Specialist, the Harm Reduction Educator assists in the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of key activities related to the program, helping to further develop and deliver harm reduction services at SCO.

SCO provides competitive compensation and an excellent pension and benefits package, as well as a positive work environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in the implementation of a southern First Nation and urban harm reduction and sexual health strategy.
Facilitates education and promotes awareness on harm reduction as a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing stigma associated with problematic substance use / co-occurring disorders.
Facilitate harm reduction activities that advocate a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use substances.
Facilitates southern First Nation led problematic substance use prevention programming for diverse participants (youth, adults, Elders, on and off reserve citizens) including peer-led programming and groups.
Provide support, assistance and referrals to our relatives who access harm reduction services as appropriate and as needed.
Working in collaboration with SCO community-based members, identify existing referral pathways for problematic substance use.
Procures and distributes harm reduction supplies such as, but not limited to, nasal Narcan, safer consumption supplies, and safer sex supplies.
Builds connections and relationships to establish southern First Nations harm reduction networks.
Provides input to the Senior Program Specialist on the implementation and evaluation of the progress of programming. Prepares presentation materials briefings, and statistics as required.
Delivery of educational training workshops on problematic substance use, co-occurring disorders, overdose prevention, sexual health, and harm reduction to southern First Nation schools, health forums, and other settings on and off reserve. Provides content expertise and works with others within the organization to support development of communications materials and campaigns focused on harm reduction, safer sex, stigma reduction, HIV and STBBI testing and treatment, and reducing overdose events.
Collaborates and professionally represents SCO while working with external partners including health system partners (First Nation, provincial and federal).
Advocates for improved access to services and works to reduce health disparities and associated outcomes, for First Nation citizens on and off reserve in the areas of harm reduction, sexual health, testing and treatment for HIV/STBBIs, and problematic substance use treatment and recovery.
Develops trusted relationships with community health teams, schools, wellness service providers, and community members.
Identify any harm reduction training needs of community health teams, schools, wellness service providers and community members and assist to facilitate relevant training opportunities.
Identify community based promising practices related to harm reduction.
Maintains records of program materials and activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Indigenous Studies, or a related field/discipline is required.
Minimum of three years of experience in problematic substance use treatment, harm reduction, program coordination, and facilitation.
Strong facilitation skills with demonstrated experience in delivering culturally safe workshops, and public presentations to a wide variety of audiences, including the ability to facilitate groups.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of educational offerings and activities.
Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and the recognition of the signs/symptoms of a dual diagnosis.
Sound knowledge of trauma-informed care, anti-stigma practices, culturally safe practices, and Harm Reduction Foundational Principles.
Knowledge of the impacts of colonization, Indian Residential and Day Schools, the 60’s Scoop, MMIWG2S+, the Child Welfare System, and intergenerational trauma.
Appreciation of the significance of Anishinaabe and Dakota ancestral teachings, language, songs, and ceremonies in promoting health and wellness.

Must be skilled in working with internet browsers, Windows, and Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and have an awareness of or willingness to learn software that promotes engagement in facilitation, including, but not limited to, Kahoot and Mentimeter.
Must be able to work independently, as well as with a team, and be able to prioritize and adapt within a fast-paced changing environment, demonstrating a growth mindset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
Clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks.
Must have a valid Manitoba class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle as occasional overnight travel may be required.
All successful candidates must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
If the candidate is a member of a registered profession, the candidate must be a member in good standing with their regulatory body.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at 4:30 PM CST

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three work related references to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

*Please note resumes without a cover letter will not be considered complete*

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates.

Please self-identify as First Nations in your cover letter.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.